Join me on an incredible two-week journey through China, where we’ll explore the vibrant cities of Xi’an, Beijing, and Shanghai, rich with history and modern marvels. We’ll then venture into the picturesque rural areas of Guilin, known for its stunning karst landscapes, and the awe-inspiring Avatar Mountains of Zhangjiajie.
This itinerary promises a perfect blend of urban excitement and natural beauty, offering unforgettable experiences at every turn. Buckle up for an adventure of a lifetime!
Discovering the Xi’an Terracotta Warriors
Explore the ancient marvel of the Xi’an Terracotta Warriors, an incredible archaeological wonder. Buried for over 2,000 years, these life-sized clay soldiers were crafted to protect China’s first emperor in the afterlife. Each unique warrior showcases the artistry of the Qin Dynasty. Join me as I uncover the history, mystery, and magnificence of one of China’s greatest treasures.
Itinerary
Experience the best of China with this two-week itinerary, taking you from bustling cities like Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai to the serene landscapes of Guilin and the breathtaking Avatar Mountains of Zhangjiajie. Here’s a detailed look at what each day holds:
Day 1 – Arrival in Beijing
Welcome to China! Arrive in Beijing and settle into your hotel, preparing for the adventure ahead.
Day 2 – Exploring Beijing’s Icons
Start your day with a guided tour of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Have the typical Beijing duck (delicious!) for lunch, and then visit the Temple of Heaven in the afternoon.
Day 3 – Great Wall and Beijing Highlights
Visit the Mutianyu Great Wall. You can go up with a cable car and opt to get down on the tobogan, or again by cable car. Back in Beijing, see the Bird’s Nest (Olympic National Stadium) and conclude the day with a Hutong tour by rickshaw.
Day 4 – From Summer Palace to Xi’an
Tour the Summer Palace in the morning, and after lunch take a high-speed train to Xi’an.
Day 5 – Terracotta Warriors and Xi’an
Visit the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum (better if you do it with a guide so you can really get to know the ins and outs of the story).
If you’re a potter head like me, stop in one of the places where you can do a DIY Terracotta Figure and visit the discoverer’s home.
Back in Xi’an, see the Big Wild Goose Pagoda in the city and explore the city centre and the shopping street. There’s a nice light and water show at the main fountain at 19:30.
Day 6 – Xi’an to Zhangjiajie
Begin your day at the City Wall Park, where you can see how sporty people are. Then explore the City Wall, Great Mosque, and Muslim Street.
have some Xi’an snacks for lunch before flying to Zhangjiajie in the evening.
Day 7 – Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Spend a full day in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Take the Bailong Elevator to Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, ride a battery car to Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve, visit Jinbian Stream, and take a small train through Ten-mile Gallery.
Day 8 – Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and Baofeng Lake
Visit the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon where you can do a nice short hike, and walk across the Glass Bridge. There are some activities you can do here like ziplining or tobogganing. End the day with a boat ride on Baofeng Lake.
Day 9 – High-Speed Train to Guilin
Travel to Guilin by high-speed train (it’s a long train journey today so make sure to pack plenty of snacks!).
Day 10 – Li River Cruise and Yangshuo
You know all those beautiful watercolour paintings you’ve always seen about China? Guilin is the place that inspires them. Create lasting memories on a Li River cruise to Yangshuo.
Enjoy a short countryside trip by bicycle to cycle along the paddy fields and some small villages.
Day 11 – Guilin and ahead to Shanghai
Visit the famous Reed Flute Cave in the morning and the moon and sun pagodas, before flying to Shanghai.
Day 12 – Shanghai Highlights
Tour the Shanghai Museum and Yuyuan Garden in the morning. Take a Huangpu River cruise or go up one of the highest skyscrapers in Shanghai.
Explore the Bund and visit Tianzifang, a cultural street with art centers, restaurants, and bars.
Day 13 – Day Trip to Suzhou
Travel to Suzhou by high-speed train (around 1 hour car to the train station and around 30 mins train ride). Visit the Humble Administrator’s Garden, Suzhou Museum, and take a short cruise along the old canal to Pingjiang Road. End the day at the Garden of the Master of Nets.
Day 14 – Tongli Water Town
Drive to Tongli, an ancient water town famous for its stone bridges, old houses, and rich cultural history. Return to Shanghai in the evening.
Day 15 – Departure from Shanghai
Transfer to the airport for your journey home. Safe travels!
Budget
China is a cheap country overall. Shanghai is definitely the most expensive place of all (because it’s the most touristic one), but accommodation is inexpensive (and very high standards), food is very cheap (you can eat a very good meal for £5), and petrol is super cheap so using taxis to move around is recommended. A similar app to Uber called Didi is widely used making local transportation cheap and easy.
Return flights
We got £600 direct flights from London to Beijing, and returning from Shanghai, with British Airways.
700€
Travel Insurance
Remember to always have your insurance when you travel. I normally get an annual MultiTrip so it covers me all year round.
45€
Food
This includes breakfast, lunch and dinner for 15 days, as well as all refreshments and snacks.
250€
Local Transport
This included taxis to/from the airport, private van with driver for part of the itinerary, high-speed train from Beijing to Xi'an, high-speed train from Zhangjiajie to Guilin, internal flight from Xi'an to Zhangjiajie, internal flight from Guilin to Shanghai, local train from Shanghai to Suzhou.
400€
Accommodation
4 star hotels in double room, 1 night in a yurt, 1 night in a homestay
700€
Entry fees & Excursions
Entrance to monuments, museums, guided walking tours in Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Shanghai and Suzhou, tips.
